Police have issued a stark warning to parents and young people following a rise in reports of individuals entering abandoned buildings across Torbay.
Officers say they are receiving daily reports of young people accessing vacant and derelict properties, placing themselves and others at significant risk of serious injury.
Abandoned buildings can present a range of hidden dangers, including unstable structures, unsafe flooring, broken glass, exposed electrical wiring and entrapment hazards. Authorities have also highlighted the potential risk of exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos, as well as pigeon and other animal droppings, which can pose long-term health risks.
Police warned that while some health effects may not be immediately apparent, exposure to certain substances could have consequences many years later.
In a message aimed at parents and guardians, officers are urging families to speak with young people about the dangers associated with entering abandoned properties and to be aware of how they are spending their free time.
A spokesperson for Brixham Police said on Facebook: “At some point, someone could be seriously hurt or worse.”
While trespassing is generally considered a civil matter, police reminded the public that other offences connected to entering vacant buildings, including burglary and criminal damage, are criminal offences and will be dealt with accordingly.
Residents who believe abandoned buildings in their area are being accessed unlawfully are encouraged to report concerns to Torbay Council and the relevant property owner. Any urgent concerns or incidents should be reported to police through the usual reporting channels.
The warning comes as authorities seek to prevent potentially life-threatening accidents and discourage what is often referred to as “urban exploring” in unsafe and unsecured locations.
This version is written in a neutral local-news style and adds context for readers while remaining faithful to the original police message.
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